Cruise Guest Shocked by the Hidden Meaning of His Pineapple Shirt (Video)

A cruise guest found himself in an awkward situation after wearing a shirt covered in pineapples on a Carnival Cruise ship, not realizing the hidden meaning behind the symbol.

Ricky Bobby, known for his TikTok handle @prericky, shared a viral video that has been viewed over 18.7 million times, detailing his experience.

During his 7th anniversary cruise, Ricky wore a yellow shirt featuring cheerful pineapples, only to notice an increasing number of fellow passengers approaching him, staring at his shirt, and even flirting with him. At first, he found the attention amusing, but as the interactions escalated, he began to wonder why he was suddenly so popular.

The mystery was quickly solved when Ricky learned that the upside-down pineapple symbol is commonly associated with the swinging community—something he had no idea about until his cruise. The viral video ends with Ricky questioning whether his partner had known the meaning all along, adding humor to the mix.

While the incident was embarrassing for Ricky, it’s important to note that there is no judgment surrounding consensual adult practices, including swinging.

However, the unintentional use of the pineapple symbol can lead to uncomfortable situations, especially for those unfamiliar with its meaning.

This mishap isn’t unique to Ricky. Many people, even seasoned cruisers, have been in the dark about the pineapple’s connection to the lifestyle.

For years, some, including cruise experts, mistakenly associate pineapples with tropical destinations like Hawaii, where they represent joy and hospitality, rather than their hidden meaning in certain circles.

In fact, some cruise lines, including Carnival, have prohibited the use of upside-down pineapple decorations on doors to avoid such awkward misunderstandings.

@prericky We didnt know what the shirt meant.. #carnivalcruise #jokes #carnival #pineapplecruise i found her tiktok @kai_b98 ♬ TRIPPIN – Sturdyyoungin & Ohthatsmizz & ZEDDY WILL

Even cruise staff members are not immune to confusion. Lucy Southerton, a former cruise ship crew member, shared a personal story about her own embarrassing encounter. While working as a masseuse, she noticed a couple wearing matching upside-down pineapple necklaces.

Thinking it was a quirky fashion choice, she asked them about the significance. The couple, amused by her question, revealed that they were part of the swinging community, leaving Lucy “mortified” by her lack of knowledge.

Ricky’s experience serves as a reminder that it’s easy to make a fashion mistake when symbols and cultural cues aren’t well understood. For those cruising, it’s always good to double-check the potential meanings behind certain symbols—especially those as innocuous as pineapples.